Life Member - Ernest Burrows
Published: March 15, 2023
Newly announced Life Member Ernest Burrows
• Joined SLSA in November 2001
• Bronze Medallion gained 2/7/2005
• 17 years of service
• 824 patrol hours
• Committee positions
- Surf Sports Officer (3 years)
- Cadet/Youth Officer (2 years)
- Junior Activities Chairman
- Chief Training Officer
The summary of Ernie's story with the club is as follows:
Ernie has been a vital part of the club's surf sports, training and assessing team for a significant period of time now at Coolum beach SLSC.
He has been the club's Mr Reliable, a go-to member to help ensure the smooth running of the surf club and has devoted countless hours to upskilling members.
Among his roles have included Cadet/Youth Development Officer in 2005/06 and as an active committee member in 2008-09.
The father of accomplished surfs sports board racing champion and local lifeguard Rhys Burrows, Ernie has always fostered a pursuit of excellence in carrying out surf patrols and enhancing rescue capabilities through the promotion of surf sports.
He was the Junior Activity Chairman in 2009/10.
In 2010-11, Ernie was one of the club's trainers and assessors who devoted his time to helping the examining of 354 award proficiencies and trained up 15 new bronze members, 18 first aiders, 11 surf rescue certificates, and 7 silver medallion beach awards.
In 2012-13, he was the club supervisor, a position he filled in the following two seasons.
His outstanding efforts to improve the club culture and lifesaving standards saw him awarded the Dave Cush Meritorious Service Trophy at the end of the 2013-14 season.
In 2015-16 he took on the added role of club surf sports officer in partnership with eventual club Life Member Sharleen Swan.
This season saw a groundswell of interest in surf sports training under skills coach Ian "Jobbo" Johnson with Ernie reveling in his role of organising such landmark seasonal events as the cut-throat Acer Cameron Board trophy event and the club championships.
In 2017 Ernie was presented with one of the club's highest honours, the Sting Zillman Award.
In 2019-20 Ernie was a popular choice at the awards annual dinner as Assessor of the Year.
He is the current president of the supporter's club who is continuing to provide expertise in securing the surf club's future through good governance.
One of Ernie's first initiatives as president was to host a successful Life Members Breakfast at the surf club to strengthen the club's present and future operations with its significant contributors of the past.
Ernie is now helping guide the club's latest multi-million dollar northern expansion to provide the very best in facilities for club patrons and active members.
Latest Posts
- 2024 IRB State Championships
- 2024 AGM - Committee and Office Bearers
- CBSLSC David Cush Meritorious Award Winner
- 2024 Ocean Roar IRB Series - Round 4
- 2024 Dick Lugge Award - Congratulations Jarrod Sweetman
- 2024 Sting Zillman Award Winner - Bruce Dunne
- 2024 Ocean Roar IRB Series - Round 3
- 2024 Ocean Roar IRB Series - Round 2
- Surf Life Saver Profile - 46
- Paul & Ian Norman Celebrate 50 Years
Support Coolum Surf Club
Not ready to become part of Coolum Surf Club but still want to help?
It takes a lot of money to run a surf lifesaving club; from the equipment needed on the beach (vehicles, boards, IRBs, first aid kits, defibrillators etc) to administration and training to facilitate patrolling.
So if you can't join us, support us through one of the following options.
Coolum Beach SLSC Nippers
Does your child want to become a Nipper?
Looking for a fun summer sport where your kids will learn essential surf safety skills, gain confidence in the ocean, and meet new friends?
Coolum Nippers is the answer! Nippers run from the September school holidays to February/March and is open to kids from 5 to 12 yrs.
Not only will they learn surf safety and what surf lifesaving is all about, but also have the opportunity to compete in carnivals and have mid-week training to improve their skills.
Latest from our SLSC Blog
2024 IRB State Championships
Congrats to the team that acheived two silver medals! -45 Mixed Team Rescue (Driver – Shane & Alastair, Crewies – Dave & Vickie , with patients Toby & Kaleb) -35 Female Mass Rescue (Driver – KT, Crewie – Vickie, with support crew Kaleb & Toby)  T...
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2024 AGM - Committee and Office Bearers
The Coolum Beach SLSC AGM was well attended on Saturday 28th of June 2024. Both the Supporters Club and the Lifesaving Club announced their office bearers for the upcoming seasons. Thank you to those who have provided their service over the last season in roles that require additional volunteer h...
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CBSLSC David Cush Meritorious Award Winner
 Congratulations Riccardo Cornacchia!  Ric received the David Cush Meritorious Trophy that recognises a member who goes above and beyond for their club over a sustained period of time and is the ultimate award to aspire to, being named after the club's Life Governor.  Ric...
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